Change The World For A Fiver!

We have this cool book that we keep at the office full of exciting things you can do with minimal effort  that has a positive impact on human nature.

 

Here's a little something that inspired us this week- 

There's always loose change - and there are always charity tins. It's a match made in heaven - like ham and eggs or cheese and toast. If we all put a few pennies in a charity tin the world would be a lot better off.

The next time you buy something for 99p, look out for a charity box and give a little. If you think about it 1p per week, per person adds up to £30 million a year.

Think about it.

Sunday Afternoon Shortbread

If you're at a loose end this afternoon, why not get baking? Whether you are chilling with friends, attempting to keep the kids entertained or finding yourself on the sofa watching back-to-back Midsummer Murders wondering if you are becoming a bit bland..then roll up your sleeves and make something nice.

We love biscuits. Bourbons, Custard Creams, Nice, Malted Milks, Hobnobs or even the humble Digestive (chocolate of course) we are big fans. A nice brew/ biscuit combination provides the happiest 5 minutes you can have- have a bash at this Shortbread recipe and test our theory.

 Ingredients;

• 300g butter, softened
• 140g golden caster sugar, plus 4 tbsp
• 300g plain flour
• 140g rice flour

Firstly, pop the butter and 140g sugar in a food processor and whizz until smooth. Tip in both the flours and a pinch of salt, then whizz until mixture comes together (wizz = great word).

Using your hands, roughly spread the mixture out in a 20 x 30 x 4cm baking tray. Cover with cling film and smooth over until there are no wrinkles. Place in the fridge, uncooked, for at least 30 mins.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Remove cling film, then lightly mark the shortbread all over with a fork. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar, then bake for 20-25 mins. Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into 24 thin slices.

Your Shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week = 7 days worth of happiness. Enjoy!



Recipe & photo courtesy of the geniuses of Good Food Magazine

Ellie Ellie Wears: Summer Outfit

We love this water colour graphic print on these trousers! The peach Oasis top plucks the more feminine colours from the bottom print. Perfect smart/casual outfit for weather you are off on a date or meeting up with friends of an evening in your favourite bar! Team with these gorgeous cream heels from Topshop and an Ellie Ellie letter tile ring to complete! You can even personalise the rings with your initial too!

Peach Top - Oasis
Cream Heels - Topshop
Upcycled Letter Tile Ring- Ellie Ellie 
Print Cigarette Leg Trousers - Oasis

RHS Flower Show - Hot Spot to Visit!

If you're looking for something to entertain yourselves with next week, we strongly advise you give the Royal Horticulture Society Flower Show a go! Packed with the most gorgeous creations within a combination of both art and nature.

It's great to visit and learn about how gardening can affect us, wildlife and our environment positively. Whether you have rolling lawns or a window box, there's tips and tricks for just about everyone! Maybe you just need some inspiration? The RHS Flower Show is the place to go!

 

For more information check it out here.

Ellie Ellie Wears: Party Outfit

This week we've thrown together an outfit fit for even the most glamourous event or wedding reception! A mixture of cream, mint and pastel pink with a sprinkle of sparkle, this outfit is sure to be a hit for that evening occasion! We love this skirt from Ruche with it's simple structure and feminine design! A compact mirror is the ultimate accessory for the girl about town and these from Ellie Ellie are just the ticket! Handmade from vintage music score sheets in our Sussex HQ, these are sure to be a handbag staple.

Blush Pink Clutch - Shruti
Cream & Gold Top - Frock & Frill
Upcycled Music Sheet Compact Mirror - Ellie Ellie
Mint Green Skirt - Ruche

Top Teacher Gifts

Conveniently the end of term falls just as Ellie Ellie's sale is in full swing! Whether you are looking for that token gift, or maybe something a little more to show your appreciation you can find it here!

For the music teacher, these Upcycled Music Sheet Earrings are just the ticket! Handmade in our Sussex HQ! NOW £8.50!

Ellie Ellie's Upcycled Romeo &  Juliet Pendant is perfect for any English teacher! Handmade on a silver plated necklace! NOW £11.50!

These handy Upcycled Notepads are handbag sized and perfect for note making on the go! Each one is handmade from old train tickets or monopoly/cluedo/playing cards with recycled paper! NOW £4.40!

Personalised Tie Pins are great for just about any teacher - why not personalise with the word 'Teacher' or 'Inspirational'?Handmade and inspired by vintage dictionaries! Pick them up for £19.50.

Britain's Top 5 Beaches To Visit!

We are lucky enough to have our studio just opposite the seafront- we are so proud of our Brighton heritage and it's this theme that runs through the Ellie Ellie brand!

Summer holidays are upon us and there is nothing better on a sunny afternoon than a beach visit! You don't have to go abroad to see a beautiful coastline, there are lots of hidden beaches around our humble island that pack a punch! Whether you're after fairground attractions or that soft sand between your toes - the UK has a lot of offer!

One of the best beaches in the country is undoubtedly Bournemouth.7 miles of luxurious golden sand, it's one of the best seaside cities in the UK. It's won awards for it's cleanliness and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Isle of Wight. With plans to build Europe's first ever artificial surf reef it's popularity is set to sky rocket!

Secondly we have a local beach for us the West Witterings, near Chichester. Gorgeous sand and beautiful water, which is great for swimming and water sports! You can even camp here in the summer, with friends and family and of course a BBQ!

Abereiddi Blue Lagoon isn't technically a beach, but it's still a fabulous seaside destination to visit this summer! This beautiful lagoon is found in Pembrokeshire and is an old quarry with a tidal channel to the sea. Surrounded by cliffs it's a wonderfully romantic spot, with it's seclusion and turquoise blue waters.

Standing in Northumberland, Holy Island is one of the spookiest and magical beaches we have to hand. Cut off from the main land twice a day by the tide, it's a hot bed for birdwatchers on the hunt for rarities that take refuge within this island's grounds. It has it's own castle and miles of deserted beach.

Holkham in Norfolk is another secret gem, surrounded by a beautifully scented pine forest. Whether you fancy a stroll or a bike ride you can enjoy endless rolling dunes and creamy sands. Those 'Shakespeare in Love' fans may remember the final scene with Gwyneth Paltrow..that was filmed here!

Ellie Ellie Wears: Goodwood Festival of Speed Style

Goodwood's Annual Festival Of Speed kicked off yesterday, with people flocking from all over to attend the biggest motoring garden party in the world. A mash up of cars and celebrities, the event holds a gleaming reputation as the Mecca for motor sport stars. We love this black and white check dress from Zara which definitely has tinges of the F1 flag. Team it with this simple over sized white blazer from New Look, a gorgeous black leather clutch from Notonthehighstreet.com and of course an Ellie Ellie accessory! We've picked our Upcycled Domino Necklace to stick with that monochrome feel!

Check Dress - Zara
White Blazer - New Look
Upcycled Domino Necklace - Ellie Ellie 
Black Clutch - Notonthehighstreet.com

The Ultimate Summer Treat- Frozen Berry Parfait

Perfect for that after dinner treat, or even with a glass of pink lemonade on a sunny afternoon; this great alternative ice cream is sure to be a winner! 

Ingredients-

• 400g raspberries
• 300ml double cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites
• 100g golden caster sugar

Start by lining a 900g loaf or terrine tin with clingfilm. Blend 300g of the raspberries to a purée then sieve, using a nylon sieve. Keep the rest of the raspberries whole then whip the cream and vanilla extract to very soft peaks.

Next pop the sugar in a pan with 11/2 tbsp water. Heat very gently until the sugar dissolves then turn up the heat and boil for 2 minutes. Whilst the sugar is boiling whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. You pan should now be filled with a syrup, start to pour in a thin stream onto the egg whites, whisking all the time! Keep whisking until the meringue has cooled completely.

Then fold the meringue into the cream bit by bit. Divide the mix between 2 bowls. Add the raspberry purée to one bowl and fold it in, then chill.

Pour the plain mixture into the bottom of the tin, then carefully push in the remaining berries. Freeze for 1.5 hours then take out and add the chilled raspberry flavoured mix. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until you want to serve. Take out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving.

The recipe serves eight people so perfect for summer dinner parties, or of course to keep in the freezer to indulge in when you fancy! 

Check out the full recipe here.

Pitter Patter of Royal Feet

Next weekend is Kate Middleton's due date and the world and his wife are on the edge of their seats. They've been poked and pried upon but yet hardly a morsel of information has been leaked! All we know is that Kate Middleton is pregnant, it's Prince William's and she is due on 13th July.

Is it a boy? Is it a girl? We've all had a guess in the Ellie Ellie office- most of us are opting for a boy! If it isn't the gender it's the name! Alexandra is favourite at 5/2, closely followed by Elizabeth (both Kate and Carole's middle name) at 5/1, if the baby is a Prince.. Charles, Frances and James have all been flown around.

Kate and Will are keeping the baby a safe guarded secret!

Personally we think they'll go for something a little off piste, traditional but slightly out the mold. Kate is a modern Royal and I think she wants her baby to follow suit! We'd love to see an Ellie (naturally) or Oliver for a boy!

Let us know your Royal baby suggestions! Tweet us @ellieelliecouk!

Ellie Ellie Wears - Wimbledon Style

The Wimbledon finals are upon us. If you're lucky enough to have tickets to the final, we are green with envy. We've been inspired by the ladies of the courts this week and our outfit features a gorgeous little off-white dress by Ted Baker, complimented by these awesome heels/wedges (we don't think they can make their mind up). Grab yourself one of these gorgeous leather clutch bags from Amy George  to seal the deal. Accessorize with these beautiful Ellie Ellie charm bracelets, which you can personalise with locations from all over the world.

Bow Dress- Ted Baker
Leather Clutch- Amy George
White Heels - Topshop
Personalised Map Bracelet- Ellie Ellie

Did someone say sale?! Yep, we did! ELLIE ELLIE SALE STARTS NOW!

Well it's that glorious summer sale season and Ellie Ellie has pulled it out the bag with over 50 products with up to 50% off! *squeals*

The time to treat ourselves is upon us. No more looking longingly at your computer screen, making eye contact with your purse and being met by a disproving face. Oh no my friend, ties have been cut, prices have been slashed and it's time for that beautiful guilt free shopping that only dreams are made of- everyone loves a bargain, yeah?

We've put together our sale tip offs- the must haves, the picks of the bunch, cream of the crops, kings of the castle (you can see where we're going with this). 

For Him

Going to kick things off with these little classics. Perfect accessories for those chic geeks, that we all know and fancy. Grab 'em in 4 different colours- red, blue, white and black! A snip at a mere £17 (yep, 30% off!)

Ellie Ellie's Upcycled Building Brick Cufflinks, made from real LEGO.

Man of Steel is storming/steaming up cinemas all over the UK at the moment. Those who have seen it know where I'm coming from when I say that Superman has opened my eyes to the true meaning of beauty..for those of you who haven't seen it - do so. Ellie Ellie's Super Hero Cufflinks are now £17 - perfect for your super hero chap!

Super Hero Cufflinks, handmade using upcycled comics!

For Her

Over in the girl's corner we have a little something perfect for any music lover, festival goer or vintage fan! These cute studs are made from vintage music score sheets. Each pair is entirely unique and made by our fair hands in our Sussex HQ.

These beauties are now £6.50! Check 'em out here.

Here's a favourite of ours..handmade from vintage stamps in a beautiful silver plated heart pendant. Just gorgeous (bias!). They come on 23" chains making them a fab accessory to wear with knitwear or simple tees! To top it off they even coming in their own Ellie Ellie bags- get your hands on one now for a £11.50! 

30% off! Shop for them here!

If that's wet your whistle you can shop the entire sale here! Go on fill ya boots!